David Zuidema is Midland Park Memorial Day Parade grand marshal

MIDLAND PARK - Lifelong resident David Zuidema, Jr., a veteran of the Korean War, will serve as the grand marshal of the annual Memorial Day Parade scheduled for Saturday, May 24.

"We chose Dave as our Grand Marshal this year because he epitomizes the strong self-confident determined man and soldier," said Bruce Sternberg, commander of VFW Post 7086 Midland Park/Wyckoff.

The second generation borough resident is married to his wife Eleanor for 62 years. They have three children, two sons and a daughter and eight grandchildren.

"It is an honor to be chosen," said Zuidema, 84. "I am happy to represent the veterans who returned home and those that did not."

A 1948 graduate of Pompton Lakes high school (the school borough residents attended at that time), Zuidema joined his father in the family business, David Zuidema Inc., a cesspool and septic pumping business.

In 1951, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany, serving in the military police unit.

"I was responsible for patrolling and maintaining order in the U.S. sector of Berlin, "said Zuidema. "We were surrounded by the Russian zone."

Zuidema was promoted to Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1953.

After returning home, Zuidema rejoined his father and modernized the company renaming it Zuidema Septic Service.

Zuidema continues to work at the family-business now run by son David III and spends free time with fellow veterans at the VFW Post.

"Dave's gravitas, experience, and affable manner all contribute to the success of the VFW Post," said Strengberg. "We are fortunate to have him as a member."

Zuidema will ride in a convertible in this year's parade which is themed, "Service, Honor and Remembrance."

Memorial Day parade and observances will begin with a flag-raising ceremony at 9 a.m. May 24 at the Vietnam Memorial on Dairy Street.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the Midland Park Municipal Building, 280 Godwin Ave., and will proceed down Franklin Avenue and to Godwin Avenue to Veterans Plaza at the intersection of Greenwood and Central avenues, where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m.

After the service, hot dogs and soda will be served at the firehouse, 45 Witte Drive, hosted by the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

In the event of rain, the memorial service will be held at the firehouse at 11 a.m.

David Zuidema is Midland Park Memorial Day Parade grand marshal

MIDLAND PARK - Lifelong resident David Zuidema, Jr., a veteran of the Korean War, will serve as the grand marshal of the annual Memorial Day Parade scheduled for Saturday, May 24.

"We chose Dave as our Grand Marshal this year because he epitomizes the strong self-confident determined man and soldier," said Bruce Sternberg, commander of VFW Post 7086 Midland Park/Wyckoff.

The second generation borough resident is married to his wife Eleanor for 62 years. They have three children, two sons and a daughter and eight grandchildren.

"It is an honor to be chosen," said Zuidema, 84. "I am happy to represent the veterans who returned home and those that did not."

A 1948 graduate of Pompton Lakes high school (the school borough residents attended at that time), Zuidema joined his father in the family business, David Zuidema Inc., a cesspool and septic pumping business.

In 1951, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany, serving in the military police unit.

"I was responsible for patrolling and maintaining order in the U.S. sector of Berlin, "said Zuidema. "We were surrounded by the Russian zone."

Zuidema was promoted to Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1953.

After returning home, Zuidema rejoined his father and modernized the company renaming it Zuidema Septic Service.

Zuidema continues to work at the family-business now run by son David III and spends free time with fellow veterans at the VFW Post.

"Dave's gravitas, experience, and affable manner all contribute to the success of the VFW Post," said Strengberg. "We are fortunate to have him as a member."

Zuidema will ride in a convertible in this year's parade which is themed, "Service, Honor and Remembrance."

Memorial Day parade and observances will begin with a flag-raising ceremony at 9 a.m. May 24 at the Vietnam Memorial on Dairy Street.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the Midland Park Municipal Building, 280 Godwin Ave., and will proceed down Franklin Avenue and to Godwin Avenue to Veterans Plaza at the intersection of Greenwood and Central avenues, where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m.

After the service, hot dogs and soda will be served at the firehouse, 45 Witte Drive, hosted by the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

In the event of rain, the memorial service will be held at the firehouse at 11 a.m.